AuthorTopic: Overly Competitive Schools (Read 2755 times)

So I've been reading Law School Confidential, and in it the author makes several references to the competitive schools with nasty environments. We've all heard about them... places where people won't share notes, steal books out of the library, and basically do anything to get an 'edge'. In LSC he won't ever mention the schools' names, ostensibly to avoid having his ass sued into oblivion. He says things like "we all know which schools these are". Well, guess what? I don't know which schools these are!!!

LSC also lists a few school policies which may foster this type of environment. Off the top of my head I can remember that one of the policies was posting grades and/or class rank. Another was if the school doesn't aggressively pursue violations of the honor code.

Anyway, who know which schools are like this, or what else to look out for when visiting campuses?

I'll throw one name out there to get the ball rolling. I have heard from a few former students at BUSL, and they have both described this exact environment there.

Lulu

I would think schools that are competing with higher ranked schools for the same jobs would be the rost. It makes sense for Kent (competing with Chicago and NU) and Fordham (Columbia and NYU). I would think some schools in Boston would have this problem as well...

Princeton Review calls Emory one of their top picks for Most Competitive Students. I've heard this rumor elsewhere, but I didn't get that impression when I visited at all. Anyone else have knowledge re this?

wongsb

On Emory, pulled from their website's FAQs (this struck me for a grin when I was applying):Q. I've heard that Emory students are very competitive. Is this true?

A. In order to succeed in law, one must be somewhat competitive. However, while our students tend to be very competitive within themselves (trying to do their best and get the highest ranking possible) they also tend to be very helpful and friendly with other students. We have a large number of student organizations supporting students with certain ethnic backgrounds, religious affiliations, or particular areas of interest in law. These organizations work together to provide support for fellow students, and to help them along in their studies.